"That's as it may be, sir."
These questions have been asked with a perfect consciousness of the subject which the gardener's son wishes to approach, and have been so worded as to have an indirect bearing upon it. The answer to the last, spoken with manly independence, conveys to Mr. Temple the knowledge that the gardener's son is not ignorant of their bearing, and the tone in which it is given, although perfectly respectful, does not please him.
"I must request you," he says, with a masterful wave of his hand, "to choose some other time for your confidence."
"You expect some one, perhaps, sir."
Mr. Temple smiles complacently. In the few words that have passed, the battle has been fairly opened. He determines that it shall be short.
"As you seem resolved," he says, taking out his watch and consulting it, "to force yourself upon me, I will give you just five minutes. Now, what have you to say?"
He is aware that he is taking the young fellow at a disadvantage by his abrupt method; but, being a lawyer, he is not nice as to the means of gaining an advantage.
"It is about Miss Marston," says the gardener's son, after a slight pause.
"What of that young lady?"
"I don't know whether I have a right to speak----"